charming as a verb by Philippe Ben

The hundred and eleventh (and last) book of 2020

Reading period: Dec 25th 2020 – Dec 29th 2020

Summary

Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.

There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.

Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .

This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countless hustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.

Rating

Review

I am disappointed by this book. I wasn’t expecting this kind of story at all.

The plot which is shown in the synopsis only took a few chapters to happen and be resolved. Then the story continues on another path.

The big problem I had while reading is that this novel is told and not show. This fact bothers me, so I didn’t believe in the plot, either in the characters. I found everything kind of plain, and I didn’t understand some scenes (especially toward the end) also the evolution of Henri and Corinne’s relationship makes no sense, for me.

There is one this element well done: the college search. The struggle, the wait, the stress and the pressure you can feel from your family or yourself.

Nevertheless, it’s a quick read, and maybe this swift pace didn’t help the story.

This book wasn’t for me, but it was a book for many people, so I advise you to read it yourself and see.

Liz.